The Ultimate Guide to Attracting Hummingbirds Naturally!

Understanding Hummingbird Biology and Behavior

The ruby-throated hummingbird, measuring just 3 to 4 inches in length and weighing less than 0.2 ounces, embarks on an impressive journey every autumn from the eastern United States to Mexico and Central America, flying nonstop across the 600 miles of the Gulf of Mexico. Come spring, they return, following the bloom of early-season flowers like azaleas and columbine, arriving in different states as the flowers bloom. By the time they reach Pennsylvania around mid-April to early May, they’re ready to settle.

Hummingbirds thrive on nectar from flowers, requiring them to eat almost constantly, about every 10 to 15 minutes, resulting in visiting 1,000 to 2,000 flowers daily. Equipped with long beaks and tongues, these birds zip between flowers, feeding mid-air thanks to their unique ability to hover. They also snack on insects and spiders for vital protein. They’re mostly governed by color, gravitating towards red, orange, and pink blooms, showing little interest in fragrance.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds aren’t monogamous. Males court multiple females, performing aerial displays to woo them and guard their territories. Females are responsible for building nests, usually on small limbs of rough-barked trees, well-hidden from above by leaves and branches, while usually open underneath. These devoted moms reuse nests and often return to the same trees.

Planting nectar-bearing flowers, especially native ones like spotted touch-me-not, trumpet vine, and wild bergamot, is a way to attract and support these tiny dynamos. When adding feeders, use a sugar-water solution mixed at a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water, avoiding honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dye.

Being solitary foragers with a territorial streak, these small birds need multiple feeders spread out to avoid conflicts. Placement somewhere in view but blended in the garden’s flora works well. Keeping insecticides at bay ensures the insects they eat aren’t poisoned, and placing feeders out of reach from cats keeps them safe.

Water is essential too. Hummingbirds favor a fine mist for bathing, which can be set up with a simple garden mister or a specialized attachment for a birdbath. Perching spots also play a role, with males preferring open, conspicuous places to survey their domain while females and juveniles prefer hidden and insulated perches.

By understanding their biology and behavior, and providing the right habitat and food sources, these sparkling birds can be a delightful presence in any garden.

Best Native Plants for Attracting Hummingbirds

For drawing hummingbirds to your garden, native plants are your best bet. These plants have co-evolved with local wildlife and are naturally suited to the climate, providing the resources that hummingbirds need. Some of the best choices include:

Beebalms (Monarda spp.), like Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) and Scarlet Beebalm (Monarda didyma), are hardy perennials with clusters of tubular red, pink, or violet flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. Their vibrant colors and tubular shape are well-suited for the long bills of hummingbirds.
Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), also known as Trumpet honeysuckle, features red, trumpet-shaped flowers that blossom from late spring through fall, providing abundant nectar. Plant these near structures like trellises or fences, where they can climb and expand.
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), celebrated for its brilliant red spikes, grows between 3 to 6 feet tall and blooms from mid-summer to early fall. Its tubular blossoms are perfectly shaped for hummingbirds, ensuring a consistent nectar source during their critical late summer feeding frenzy.
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), with its large, bright orange-red flowers, blooms in mid to late summer and is ideal for high perches, giving birds both feeding and viewing spots. Give this vigorous grower plenty of space to climb and spread.
Spotted touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis), often found in moist, shaded areas, blooms from mid-summer to early fall. Its orange flowers dangle from slender stems, providing nectar as hummingbirds need to build up energy for migration. These plants are particularly beneficial in wetter, shadier parts of your garden.
Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) blooms early in the spring, making it one of the first nectar sources available to returning migratory hummingbirds. Its distinctive red and yellow flowers dangle from thin stems, perfect for the hovering feeding style of hummingbirds.
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) offers lavender flowers that support hummingbirds throughout the summer and also attract a variety of other pollinators, enriching your entire garden ecosystem.

Apart from these examples, it’s good to have a range of plants that flower at different times. Early spring bloomers like columbine give way to summer shows from beebalms and wild bergamot, followed by the towering specter of cardinal flowers in late summer. This sequential blooming ensures that no matter when hummingbirds arrive or leave, there’s always something to sip.

By combining these varied bloom times and vibrant flowers, you create an environment that sustains hummingbirds and turns your garden into a colorful, bustling sanctuary from spring until autumn, working harmoniously with their migratory patterns and offering a familiar, reliable source of food year after year.

Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Habitat

To create a hummingbird-friendly habitat, think like a designer with a flare for practical, efficient, and bird-friendly spaces. Your goal is to create an inviting environment teeming with food, water, and nesting options while ensuring it’s a safe haven.

Start by orchestrating your planting strategy. Group various nectar-bearing flowers together to create an eye-catching display. These clusters of bright tubular flowers like beebalms, columbine, and trumpet vine will act as visual beacons for hummingbirds. Position taller plants like cardinal flowers and trumpet vines towards the back, allowing them to tower and anchor your garden while providing perching spots. Fill in the foreground with shorter, yet equally attractive plants such as wild bergamot and coral honeysuckle. This layered approach adds visual depth and meets the hummingbirds’ feeding and territorial habits.

Next, cover your bases with a consistent bloom schedule. Ensure there’s a variety of plants flowering at different times so hummingbirds always find something to eat from early spring to late fall. Aim for spring blooms like columbine, mid-summer clusters of beebalms, and late summer offerings of spotted touch-me-not and cardinal flower. This sequential cover will keep your garden buzzing with activity and ensures hummingbirds are well-fed no matter when they visit.

Ample water sources are a game changer. Hummingbirds need water for drinking and bathing, which they enjoy as a fine mist. Invest in misters or use birdbaths with attachments that create a gentle mist. Alternatively, drippers or fountains can provide a steady, gentle flow of water. Position these features near or within your flower groupings to create a seamless and practical integration, ensuring easy access for the birds.

Perches are pivotal for hummingbirds both for resting and keeping an eye on their territory. These can be natural tree branches, strategically placed rods, or dedicated hummingbird perches. Position these perches in both open and hidden spots. Open spots allow males to survey and guard their territory while hidden ones give females and juveniles a place to rest without being disturbed.

For nesting, consider shrubs and small deciduous trees that provide both cover and the materials needed for nest-building. Ensure these are located close to nectar plants so the birds don’t have to travel far for food. Materials such as spider silk and lichen are particularly favored by hummingbirds to construct their nests. You can help by leaving these materials present in your garden space.

Minimizing pesticide use is crucial. Pesticides can poison the insects that hummingbirds rely on for protein and can harm the birds themselves. Embrace natural pest control methods. Encourage ladybugs, spiders, and parasitic wasps that naturally manage pest populations. By promoting a garden that thrives on ecological balance, you help the hummingbirds and support the overall health of your garden.

Every element of your hummingbird-friendly habitat should aim to create a sustainable and inviting environment. From planting the right blooms to ensuring fresh water and safe nesting spots, each step will contribute to a haven where these tiny avian marvels can thrive. By understanding their needs and behaviors, you’re setting the stage for a bustling, colorful sanctuary bursting with life and movement throughout the seasons.

Using Hummingbird Feeders Effectively

Once you’ve created a garden full of native plants, adding hummingbird feeders is the next step to ensure a reliable food source, especially during peak migration times. Here’s how to use feeders effectively to keep these birds coming back for more.

Selecting the Right Feeder

Choose feeders that are easy to disassemble and clean, ideally made from clear plastic or glass so you can quickly see when they need refilling or cleaning. Look for feeders with multiple feeding ports to accommodate several birds at once and perch options so they can rest while feeding. Avoid feeders with yellow ports, as these can attract unwanted insects like bees and wasps.

Making the Right Sugar-Water Mixture

The solution you provide in your feeders should mimic the natural nectar found in flowers. A simple mixture of one part white granulated sugar to four parts water is ideal. Boil the water first, then stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely. Let the solution cool to room temperature before filling your feeders. Avoid using honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dye – these can cause harm to the birds. The color of the feeder itself is enough to attract hummingbirds.

Placing Your Feeders

Position feeders in spots where they can be easily seen by the birds but are not entirely exposed. Locations near nectar-bearing flowers are ideal, as this makes it easier for the birds to find the feeders. Ensure the feeders are placed out of reach of predators such as cats. Hanging them at least 4 to 5 feet above the ground and in open areas will help keep them safe.

Spacing between multiple feeders is also important. Hummingbirds can be territorial, so having feeders spaced out means less competition and aggressive behavior. Place feeders in different areas of your garden to give dominant birds less opportunity to monopolize a single food source.

Feeder Maintenance

Clean and maintain your feeders diligently to avoid harmful mold and bacteria buildup. Empty and clean the feeders every three to five days during cooler weather, and more frequently in hot weather. Wash the feeder with warm soapy water, scrubbing all surfaces with a feeder brush, and rinsing thoroughly. Once a month, use a dilute bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) to sterilize your feeders, but make sure to rinse several times with clean water afterward.

To further prevent contamination, avoid placing feeders in direct sunlight, which can cause the sugar solution to ferment quickly. Shady spots will keep the nectar fresher longer. Additionally, consider using an ant moat—small water-filled barriers that hang above the feeder to deter ants.

Handling Pests

Despite your best efforts, pests like bees, wasps, and ants might still be attracted to the feeders. Some feeders come equipped with “bee guards” – small mesh screens that allow hummingbirds to reach the nectar but block bees and wasps. If bees and wasps continue to be a problem, moving the feeder just a few feet away can sometimes throw them off the scent trail. For ants, applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or mineral oil on the hanger can also act as a deterrent.

Timing is Everything

Hang your feeders in sync with the seasonal movements of hummingbirds. In Pennsylvania, for instance, put them out by mid-April to early May to coincide with the birds’ arrival. Keep feeders up until at least mid-September or two weeks after you see the last bird. Early spring and late fall are critical feeding times as hummingbirds require extra energy during migration.

By following these steps, your feeders will become reliable nectar sources, helping to sustain hummingbirds throughout their daily routines and seasonal migrations. By combining careful plant selection with well-maintained feeders, you’ll create a vibrant retreat for these tiny marvels of nature.

Additional Tips and Tricks for Attracting Hummingbirds

Use Red Accents

Red accents are incredibly effective when it comes to catching a hummingbird’s eye. While feeders and plants with red flowers are obvious choices, you can enhance this attraction by adding other red elements to your garden. Try tying red ribbons to branches, placing red yard ornaments, or even using red pots for your plants. These splashes of color act like beacons, guiding hummingbirds to feeding areas.

Create DIY Feeders

Creating DIY feeders is not only economical but also a fun project that can add a personal touch to your garden. Simple homemade feeders can be crafted from items like old wine bottles. Clean and sanitize the bottle to ensure no harmful residues remain. Fit a hummingbird feeding tube into the bottle’s neck and hang it upside down in your garden. Remember to stick to the recommended sugar-water ratio to ensure the health and safety of your hummingbird visitors.

Incorporate Water Features

Incorporating water features such as misters and fountains can make your garden appealing. Hummingbirds love to bathe in a fine mist, so consider setting up a garden mister or a small pond fountain that produces a gentle spray. If space or budget is a concern, a simple birdbath with a misting attachment can suffice. This provides a refreshing bath for hummingbirds and adds a tranquil ambiance to your garden.

Protect from Predators

Protecting your feathered friends from predators, like cats, is important. Cats are natural hunters, and hummingbirds can easily fall prey to them if not adequately protected. It’s best to keep cats indoors, but if they do go outside, make sure your feeders are positioned in open spaces at least 4 to 5 feet above the ground where cats can’t easily reach them. Additionally, placing feeders away from thick bushes or other hiding spots can reduce the risk of cat ambushes.

Explore Budget-Friendly Ideas

Budget-friendly ideas are also worth exploring for those looking to attract hummingbirds without breaking the bank. Instead of purchasing expensive plants or feeders, you can opt for growing nectar-rich plants from seeds. A packet of annual flower seeds like cardinal flower or wild bergamot can provide a season-long food source. Investing in native perennials can be a money saver in the long run, as these plants return year after year and require less maintenance.

Another cost-effective way to keep your garden hummingbird-friendly is by minimizing pesticide use. Natural pest control methods not only save money but also create a healthier environment for hummingbirds and other beneficial insects. Consider planting insect-pollinated flowers alongside hummingbird-pollinated ones to create a balanced ecosystem. Some plants, like marigolds and mint, can deter harmful pests naturally, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

Finally, a little maintenance goes a long way. Ensure that your feeders are in top shape, using cost-effective cleaning methods like vinegar and rice as abrasives to scrub out mold and residue. This keeps the feeders hygienic without needing to invest in specialized cleaning tools.

By incorporating these tips and tricks into your hummingbird gardening efforts, you’ll create an enchanting haven for these vibrant birds while enjoying a lively, colorful garden full of movement.

Creating a hummingbird-friendly garden is about understanding their needs and behaviors. By planting a variety of native flowers, maintaining clean feeders, and providing safe perching and nesting spots, you can turn your garden into a bustling sanctuary for these energetic birds. With a bit of planning and care, you’ll enjoy the lively presence of hummingbirds from spring through fall.